Good Morning!

This is my first time to the site. I'm not really sure how to use it, because it's the first chat room I've ever been in.

I was banded 10-20. So far so good. Some of the comments I've read are very informative and others make me ask "what have I gotten myself into." I'm hoping everything goes well. I've had 1 fill, and hope to have another one in Jan.

Has anyone had any experience with caffeine? I was advised not to use any. but I sure do miss my nonfat/no sugar mocha latte.

Hi Bizzy, and welcome to LBT and lap band life. I've always watched my intake of caffeine, even before banding, but I've had a couple of caffeinated beverages since getting my band. My doctor says one or two cups of coffee (or the equivalent) is okay, if you have to have your caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, and is just not the healthiest thing for us to be drinking. On occasion, and within limit, I don't think it'll harm you. What does your doctor say about it?

You know it's funny, my doctor (as well as the surgeon, the nurses, nutritionist, etc.) NEVER mentioned anything about caffeine. After reading lots of posts on the board about having caffeine in the no-no category, I asked my doctor about it. He gave me an odd look and said, "No, why would caffeine matter to the band? Just be careful about what you put in the coffee like the sugar, cream, and lattes, etc." And when I had the surgery, while in the hospital I had a cup of tea AND coffee. So I guess it varies a lot from doctor to doctor. I have coffee and tea all the time, but I am careful to use Splenda and a little of the sugar free, non-fat creamer, etc. So as long as the calories are low, they don't care for me. (Not trying to rub it in, just trying to let you know!)

That's okay though, my doctor DID require a full 2 weeks of liquids only before the surgery and that was HELL!!:biggrin: I used to read so many people talk about eating steak dinners the night before surgery and I would cry! But that's over now and the caffeine is a forever thing, so I guess I'd rather the way it is. :smile2:

Good Luck!

I always say do what your doctor tells you to do. My doctor also says caffine is ok. I drink coffee and hot tea all the time and have had no problems. I need it and so do the people around me :smile2: Good luck to you... maybe you can check with your doctor again.... try growling at him... just kidding. Happy Holidays!!! Becky

My doctor has never stated directly to me anything about caffeine, but the office literature I was given by staff states no caffeine.

I drink caffeine! I have a cup of tea at home in the morning before I go to work.

As a treat, now and then, I have a Starbucks grande skinny hazelnut coffee. 13 grams of protien and 130 calories. Yummy!!! And it fills me up.

I have an iced green tea from Starbucks almost every day. It helps keep me sane.